Alex Ruben
How To Resolve the Java Exception Has Occurred Error on Windows
Dealing with the dreaded “Java Exception Has Occurred” error pops up out of nowhere when trying to run Java apps on Windows. Uh, yeah, it’s annoying. So, here’s what usually works — because of course, Java and Windows like to keep us on our toes.
Step 1: Download the Latest Java SE Development Kit (JDK)
First off, you wanna make sure you’ve got the latest JDK. Sometimes, old versions just can’t keep up with newer apps or bug fixes. Head over to Java SE Download Page. Find the latest JDK (right now it’s JDK 24, but check if that changed), and grab the Windows installer — usually something like jdk-24_windows-x64_bin.exe. Save it somewhere easy to find, like your Downloads folder.
Here’s the thing: newer Java versions tend to play nicer with most apps. It’s worth installing this before troubleshooting further.
Step 2: Install that JDK for real this time
Double-click the downloaded installer. Windows might throw up a “do you really wanna run this?” kinda prompt. Click Yes. The setup wizard will pop up. Hit Next — you don’t really gotta fuss with the options unless you’re super specific about paths. But, on some setups, it’s best to leave it at default (usually C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-24).
Side note: some folks swear that installing in a totally custom folder helps with environment variables later. But honestly, default usually works fine.
Step 3: Reboot — yeah, this part matters
Once installed, you gotta restart your machine. Weirdly, sometimes Windows doesn’t pick up the new Java instantly. Restarting helps it register the new runtime properly. Trust me, this makes a difference. If things still look funky after a restart, do it again — because Windows likes to make stuff complicated.
Step 4: Verify the Java installation—because, why not?
Open up Command Prompt by typing cmd in the Start menu and pressing Enter. Then, type:
java -versionHit Enter. If Java installed correctly, you should see the version info, like “java version 24.0.0”. If not, double-check your environment variables — more on that below.
Step 5: Fix environment variables if Java isn’t recognized
This part is where things get tricky for some. The error can pop up if Windows doesn’t know where Java is. So, you need to set or check your JAVA_HOME and adjust your Path.
Here’s how to do it:
- Right-click on This PC or My Computer, choose Properties.
- Click Advanced system settings on the sidebar.
- Hit Environment Variables.
- Under System variables, look for JAVA_HOME. If it isn’t there, click New.
- Set JAVA_HOME to the folder where Java installed, e.g.,
C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-24. - Now, find the Path variable — edit it, and add %JAVA_HOME%\bin at the end, separated by a semicolon.
Click OK all around, restart CMD and try java -version again. If it throws the correct version out, you’re set.
Extra tips & common gotchas
Sometimes, this error isn’t about Java, but how the app is trying to run it. Make sure:
- The Java version the app needs matches what you installed. Apps can be picky.
- You checked if the app has any updates or patches — older versions might not play well with latest Java.
- In some cases, you might need to run the app with administrator rights, especially if it’s in a protected folder.
- If the problem is specific to certain apps, look for logs or crash reports in those app folders — sometimes they tell you exactly what went wrong.
And if all else fails…
Try running the app with compatibility mode or delete and reinstall Java, making sure to clean up previous versions — because Windows can be weird about leftover files messing with new installs.
Summary
- Download and install the latest JDK from Oracle.
- Restart to get everything registered.
- Check java -version in Command Prompt.
- Adjust environment variables if needed.
- Make sure the app matches the Java version.
Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone. Its kinda weird, but usually the environment path thing is what trips folks up. Good luck, and may your Java be ever smooth sailing.